If the rest of this series is anything like this first issue, then Star Wars by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday is going to be a whole lot of fun. Set between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, it fully embraces the adventure and charm of the original trilogy. By putting the signature cast of heroes on a dicey mission to sabotage the Empire, a scenario is created where everyone’s favorite characters, vehicles, and lines can all be utilized at once. Surprisingly, none of it reads as forced, rather as a series of enthusiastic winks to the audience that, yes, this series is going to use all of the stuff you love about Star Wars to show you a real good time. To borrow a phrase from C-3PO, I’ve got a very good feeling about this.
It’d be impossible to review this issue without mentioning how Marvel Comics has once again obtained the rights to make Star Wars comics, a license that previously belonged to Dark Horse Comics. It’d also be hard not to mention that Dark Horse had their own comic titled Star Wars that took place at the same time as this one. If you were worried about this new comic being too similar to that one, then fear not young Padawan, because by the end of this first issue it is clear that they are worlds apart.
It's easy to see why this time period was chosen, as it's when Han Solo and Princess Leia were starting to have those feelings for each other, Luke was still learning to use the Force, and Darth Vader was supremely pissed off at the loss of the Death Star. You get the sense that Aaron understands who the characters are at their core and that he’s having a good time putting their traits on display. He writes Han Solo with the right balance of sarcasm and smarm, while Luke Skywalker’s compassion is shown through his actions. Princess Leia has never been a damsel in distress, and indeed she comes off as nothing but a determined freedom fighter. Of all the characters, her personality feels a bit too exaggerated. She makes a decision that, on the surface, was designed to make her look authoritative and self-sacrificing, but in the end she comes off as brash and overeager -- two words that don't describe Leia. Of course we want to see a kick-ass Leia that continues to defy tropes left and right, but at the same time, we want her to remain in-character while doing it.
Cassaday captures the likeness of each character so that the comic evokes the original films not only in its tone but in its visuals, as well. There are a few instances where copying the likeness of Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill doesn’t work out so well, but it’s not so bad that it detracts from the overall experience. Actually, aside from that problem, the comic looks quite excellent.
The pages are enhanced by Laura Martin on colors, who gives the Imperial factory the appropriate smoggy atmosphere and industrial interior -- lots of dreary browns and harsh grays -- while still allowing the characters to pop against the bleak setting. From quick exchanges to Wookie roars, Chris Eliopoulos letters the issue to perfection, only adding to the finely tuned execution of this big debut issue.
The script sets up several key moments that let Cassaday reveal glorious money shots -- and they’re enough to send any Star Wars fan into a tizzy. Numerous scenes call for a smirk or a look to sell a moment, and he nails it every time. His storytelling is top-notch, making the issue flow from one moment to the next with increasing energy. Between the cinematic framing and the direct nods to classic shots from the films, it feels like Star Wars. That might sound like an obvious thing to say, but it’s not as easy to achieve as it looks.
While the story does conveniently set up a situation to showcase as many cool Star Wars elements as it can, it’s fueled by just enough excitement and tension to make it work. It’s a credit that it has flavors from all three original films while still telling a unique tale. The one quibble comes from Luke’s tendency to wander around, happening upon plot twists, when really he should be focused on the mission at hand. The story isn't a deep one, nor does it try to be -- it exists moment to moment, enjoying a quick pace that's all about showcasing the iconic characters in a high-pressure situation. It wants to be pure Star Wars fun, and it succeeds.
There’s an emphatic “Give the people what they want!” feel to this issue, and the creative team certainly delivers. This isn’t a new twist on Star Wars, but a straight-forward story that packs in all the cool line deliveries, awesome vehicles, and favorite characters you could ask for. There’s a sense of fun and adventure that lasts from start to finish, sure to leave any Star Wars fan with a big grin on their face.
At times the characters behave illogically to provide an excuse for a neat action scene or plot twist, but overall they are faithful representations that are as entertaining to watch in the comic as they were in the movies. In fact, at times it feels like watching an unreleased Star Wars movie, and that’s magic well worth the five bucks.
Joshua is IGN’s Comics Editor. If Game of Thrones, Spider-Man, or Super Smash Bros. are frequently used words in your vocabulary, you’ll want to follow him on Twitter and IGN.